Asbestos Discovery Temporarily Closes Administrative Building at a California University

This past July, several media outlets published stories about the temporary closure of the Administrative Building at a California university. According to the reports, an asbestos-containing material was discovered on the second floor of the building during construction activities.

A notice left for employees and faculty stated the following: “EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: Recent construction activity in a building has released a small amount of asbestos containing material onto the second floor causing Facilities Management and Development to be abundantly cautious and close the entire building until further investigation and cleanup is performed.”

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was added to many products to strengthen them and to provide heat insulation and fire resistance. In fact, up until the 1970s, many building materials used in residential, commercial and institutional buildings contained asbestos. If many of these materials are disturbed or become friable with age, asbestos fibers may be released into the air which can then be inhaled by people. Exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.

According to information on the universities’ facilities’ section of its website, “Materials containing asbestos are found in nearly all campus buildings. These materials do not present a hazard unless they are damaged or disturbed and become airborne. Common building materials that may contain asbestos are sheetrock, joint compound, plaster, stucco, mastics, sealants, pipe insulation, roofing, fire proofing, and acoustic ceilings.”

In California, universities, schools and other institutions and businesses can turn to LA Testing for all of their asbestos analyses, sampling supplies, test kits, air monitoring instruments and personal protective equipment. These testing services are instrumental for identifying exposure risks, monitoring abatement projects and for post clearance testing to ensure a project has been completed properly to ensure a safe environment for future building occupants.

To learn more about asbestos testing or other environmental, indoor air quality, occupational, health and safety issues, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794. For access to asbestos and other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals.  In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC Elite, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states.  LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.

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